6 Foods That Feed Your Brain

Eating healthy is not only good for your health and well-being, but it can also be extremely beneficial to your brain as well. According to experts, foods high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can improve brain health and memory. The following are six foods that can enhance brain function and protect it against diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s...

1. Walnuts – A 2009 study in the Journal of Nutrition revealed that a diet rich in nuts can actually reverse the signs of aging in the brain, including the ability to function and process information. In addition, a study performed in 2010 at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s disease showed that walnuts can improve learning, memory and motor coordination. Walnuts are also known to be high in antioxidants, which some researchers believe may combat the damage done to the brain cells’ DNA.
2. Carrots – Not only have carrots been proven to be good for eyesight, but studies now show that they are great for the brain too. According to a 2007 article in the Archives of Internal Medicine, diets rich in beta-carotene over an extended period of time, showed significant improvement in verbal memory and general cognition. In fact, scientists believe that beta-carotene can help eliminate the stress that contributes to brain aging.
   
   A study published in the 2010 Journal of Nutrition also revealed that carrots are high in luteolin. Luteolin is a compound that has been found to reduce age-related memory problems, as well as inflammation in the brain. Olive oil, peppers and celery are also rich in luteolin.
3. Berries – Berries can provide a variety of health benefits including memory improvement. The 2010 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry noted that adults who suffered slight memory problems began to show memory and recall improvement after just twelve weeks of drinking wild blueberry juice. The study further showed that blueberries also helped with signs of depression in seniors.
   
   A 2009 study performed and recorded in the Journal of Nutrition showed that fruits high in antioxidants such as blueberries and strawberries can decrease stress in cells that are related to aging and increase certain brain functions.
4. Fish – According to recent studies, fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids may slow the cognitive decline that comes with age. A study in the journal Archives of Neurology found that people 65 and older who ate two meals a week for six years that included fish, showed to have a 13 percent decrease in cognitive decline. Even those who only ate one meal with fish every week for six years demonstrated a ten percent decrease in cognitive decline. Fish is also a great resource for vitamin B12, which has shown to help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Coffee/Tea – Coffee and tea have been shown to be beneficial in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and improving cognitive function. A study in the 2010 Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease noted that caffeinated coffee has been found to slow the progression of the disease or help prevent it from developing. Based on this finding, experts believe that coffee and tea may eventually be used as therapeutic treatment for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
   
   Research has also shown that tea can work as a protective agent for the brain. According to an article in the 2010 Journal of Nutrition, studies show that tea drinkers actually do better on memory tests and information processing than non-tea drinkers.
6. Spinach – Many health benefits come from spinach, including its ability to help to improve cognitive function. Scientists believe this is because it contains high amounts of vitamins C and E. According to a study published in the Journals of Gerontology in 2000, a diet rich in vitamin E increased brain and nerve tissue, as well as increased dopamine release into the brain, the chemical that allows information to be processed.
   
   Lastly, a study performed in 2000 and published in the journal, Brain Research, found that consuming spinach, strawberries and blueberries can reverse age-related memory and motor deficits.

In conclusion, these six brain foods may help improve brain health and perhaps even slow memory decline that can come with age.